Need and Benefit

The primary need of this research is based upon the fact that there are currently no efficient means of controlling NZM infestation. If such a tool could be found, its application and utility are obvious for Reclamation managers. Even better if the tool is efficient and cost effective.Benefits to Reclamation include several key points:

Although there are no T&E fish species associated with the Bear River, there are sensitive species of special concern, notably, the Bonneville cutthroat trout (BCT) (Oncorhynchus clarki utah). This species is considered to be a surrogate for study in lieu of T&E species. Although not currently listed, it is a high profile species and is also the State fish of Utah. Thus, BCT response to NZM removal with the Sand Wand technology will provide Reclamation managers/stakeholders a case study with direct application to imperiled salmonid management. For example, the ability to address the question:

We have established partnerships and advocacy with 14 different affiliations associated with the Bear River Environmental Coordination Committee. This will allow us to collaboratively evaluate the benefits of the Sand Wand technology. This also expedites and ameliorates costs associated with everything from labor to permitting because most of the affiliations within this group have at least tentatively agreed to support the project with cash or in-kind services.

Further, because of the partnership opportunities available to this project, Reclamation will realize savings through resource leveraging via in-kind service and cash contribution.

Contributing Partners

None

Research Products

Independent Peer Review

The following documents were reviewed by qualified Bureau of Reclamation employees. The findings were determined to be achieved using valid means.

Document ID 1394: this document contains protected information and it cannot be freely downloaded from USBR.gov. Contact the Principal Investigator to request a copy of this document.